As I am on the first boat going down, slow as we have come I could not have gone faster had I come via Cairo on cars.

I would be remembered to Mrs. C., Madame Julia, and Sadie. A. Merry Christmas to yourself and staff.

I fear General Fisk will be too lake for operations in this quarter.

I am, general, very respectfully your obedient servant,

N. P. CHIPMAN.

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS., December 24, 1862.

Colonel C. C. MARSH, Grand Junction, Tenn.:

Notify troops at Davis' Mill to be in readiness to repel any attack that may be made.

By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 24, 1862.

Colonel JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Dispatch received. I notified Colonel Morgan at 6 o'clock to be prepared for attack, and that if attacked I would go to his assistance. I send dispatch to Colonel Grierson to Saulsbury.

C. C. MARSH,

Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 24, 1862.

Colonel JOHN A. RAWLINS:

I have re-enforced Colonel Morgan and Colonel richmond to the extent of my ability, and am prepared to co-operate with either of them in case of attack at Davis' Mill or La Grange.

C. C. MARSH,

Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 24, 1862.

Major-General GRANT:

I have read your dispatch to Colonel Grierson. i will leave at once to join the command at Saulsbury. I hope as much cavalry as possible will be thrown out east to intercept the enemy's retreat, that they may be effectually used up. I will keep you advised, reporting as often as practicable.

J. K. MIZNER,

Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS,
Camp on Tallahatchie, December 24, 1862.

Major-General GRANT:

GENERAL: I have been examining into the ration question this morning. General Denver has only enough, on three-quarter rations, to include the 28th instant; General Logan to include the 31st; General Lauman to include the 30th.

JAS. B. MCPHERSON,

Major-General.